Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 hubs and docks, the latest technology in computer connectivity and expansion, are gradually replacing Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C hubs and docks, giving users significant future advantages while maintaining the integrity of older connection standards. Backward compatibility.
For laptop users with limited connectivity options to their main computer, especially those with few side ports, hubs and docks are ideal for expanding connectivity options. By comparison, desktop computers and Macs typically come with a richer port mix, but laptops and tablets tend to be more limited.
In order to connect more devices, such as hard drives, memory sticks, memory card readers, printers, and wired input tools such as keyboards and mice, users need to use multi-function adapters, hubs, or more powerful docking stations. Additionally, these devices are the best way to add an external display to your mobile computer and support Gigabit (or faster) Ethernet connections for wired internet access.
The latest connection standards, Thunderbolt 4 and USB4, are based on the simple, reversible USB-C connector, a design that has become extremely common on new computing devices. Not only do they replace the slower USB 3.0/USB-A connectors and USB-C variants, they also maintain backward compatibility with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3.
In terms of speed, USB-A (the old rectangular connector) typically has a maximum bandwidth of 5Gbps (USB 3.0), but speeds can be as low as 480MBps (USB 2.0). Many new models have been upgraded to faster 10Gbps USB-A and have higher device charging potential, with some bases and hubs offering up to 7.5W charging power.
USB-C starts at 5Gbps but can reach speeds up to 20Gbps (although 10Gbps is more common). For device charging, 20W is the best speed we've seen with USB-C. In comparison, Thunderbolt 3 (TB3) can reach amazing speeds of 40Gbps. It's worth noting, however, that not all Windows PC manufacturers have chosen to offer the full benefits of TB3.
Thunderbolt 4 (TB4) and USB4 require manufacturers to adhere to all the advantages of the technology (such as 40Gbps bandwidth) to obtain certification, which makes TB4 more trusted by PC users than TB3. For Apple users, the difference between TB3 and TB4 is not obvious, but TB4 offers better device connectivity. For example, when using TB3, removing any but the last device in the chain could cause the device chain to break, whereas TB4 avoids this problem.
For Windows users, due to previous inconsistent connection standards, many hub and dock manufacturers recommend that their devices need to be Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 certified. Mac users, on the other hand, can use older USB-C (like the 12-inch MacBook) and Thunderbolt 3 systems. Nonetheless, users will still be able to use Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C docking stations, but will miss out on many of the advancements brought by Thunderbolt 4.
In addition, TB4/USB4 offers faster PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) speeds of 32Gbps and storage speeds of up to 3,000MBps, twice the minimum requirement of Thunderbolt 3. Although newer MacBooks already have this requirement, some earlier TB3 MacBooks still have less bandwidth available on the right Thunderbolt port.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that while Thunderbolt 5 and its 80Gbps (120Gbps video) advancements are impressive, docks with TB5 aren’t expected to start shipping until mid-2024. In the meantime, the TB4 base and hub will still work perfectly with the TB5 laptop.
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13 in 1 thunderbolt4 docking station |
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Specifications:
Transfer Speed: 40Gbps (Compatible with USB4/3.2/3.1/3.0/2.0)
1x DC Power in 20V, Device host PD 85W
2xType C, TBT/USB4 40gbps interface downward compatibility
(Video output up to Single 8K@30Hz or Dual 4K@60Hz orThree 4K@30Hz), power output up to 15W
1*HDMI 8K@60Hz video output
3* USB A 3.2 Gen2 (Max 10Gbps data transmission)
2xUSB A 2.0 (Max 480Mbps data transmission)
1xTF/Micro SD 3.0 ( Up to 104Mb/s）
1xSD/MMC 3.0 (Up to 104Mb/s）
1xAudio (3.5mm Audio&Mic )
1xRJ45 Gigabit Ethernet,10M/100M/1000M
Chipset：JHL8440
Aluminum housing
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